Italian Phrase
Fanno fatica a respirare.
Meaning
They are struggling to breathe, either because of physical exertion, a health problem, or strong emotion. The expression conveys a noticeable effort to get air.
When to use
Use this sentence when you observe or describe someone (or a group) having trouble breathing – after a run, during a medical episode, or when someone is nervous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Fannofaticaarespirare
Fanno (fare)
Third‑person plural present of *fare* used idiomatically with *fatica* to mean ‘have difficulty’.
fatica (noun)
A feminine noun meaning ‘effort, difficulty’; it does not change in number when used with *fanno*.
a + infinitive
The preposition *a* introduces the activity that is hard to perform; the infinitive follows directly.
respirare (infinitive)
Standard infinitive form of the verb ‘to breathe’.
🗨In Conversation
I ragazzi hanno appena finito la gara e fanno fatica a respirare.
The kids just finished the race and they're having trouble breathing.
Allora facciamo una pausa e li facciamo bere un po' d'acqua.
Then let's take a break and give them some water.
✕Common Mistakes
Fanno difficoltà a respirare.
The noun *difficoltà* is not used with *fanno*; use *hanno difficoltà* instead.
Fanno fatica di respirare.
The correct preposition after *fatica* is *a*, not *di*.
Fanno fatica a respirare?
When stating a fact, omit the question mark; use it only for a genuine question.
↔Alternatives
Fanno fatica a prendere fiato.
They have trouble catching their breath.
Stanno lottando per respirare.
They are struggling to breathe.
Hanno difficoltà a respirare.
They have difficulty breathing.
Cultural Tip
In everyday Italian, *fare fatica a + infinitive* is the go‑to way to say someone finds an action hard. In a medical report you’ll more often see *avere difficoltà a respirare* or *presentare dispnea*. Keep the preposition *a* – *fanno fatica di respirare* is incorrect.